Several HBCUs Shut Down and Go on Lockdown Due to Possible Threats

WASHINGTON — Several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation have faced potential threats, resulting in lockdowns and campus closures on Thursday. 

At least six HBCU institutions have reported potential threats to their campuses. 

The affected institutions include Alabama State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, Clark Atlanta University, Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, and Bethune-Cookman University. 

Lockdowns and alerts were issued around noon E.T. on Thursday. 

On Thursday, September 11, Alabama State University halted all campus activities after entering a lockdown due to what officials described as “terroristic threats” directed at the campus. 

A university spokesperson told WZDX that campus operations were shut down while authorities assess the situation. 

“We are collaborating closely with relevant law enforcement agencies to guarantee the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader ASU community,” said a spokesperson. “The well-being of our Hornet family is our utmost priority.”

Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, was on lockdown after a potential threat to campus safety.

According to school officials interviewed by WPBF, the lockdown was a precautionary measure, which resulted in the cancellation of all on-campus classes. Students were instructed to return to their dorms and remain confined there. 

Spelman College in Georgia issued a shelter in place for its students following threats to nearby Clark Atlanta University, another HBCU. 

Spelman College said there were not threats directed to its campus, but they have increased security presence around the school. 

In a statement on X, Spelman College noted, “Due to precautionary measures and our nearby location, we are advising Spelman faculty, staff, and students to stay where they are and avoid the CAU campus until further notice.” 

Hampton University officials have shut down all non-essential operations and canceled classes for Thursday, Sept. 11 and Friday, Sept. 12 after receiving notice of a potential threat to campus.

In a statement released to WVEC, university officials said the decision was made “effective immediately” to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All athletic events and activities are also canceled through the end of the week.

Students and staff currently on campus are urged to limit movement to essential activities only, while those who live off campus are advised not to come to the university at this time. Non-essential personnel, including faculty and staff, have been directed to evacuate the campus immediately. Enhanced security measures are now in effect.

The university is encouraging the community to hold meetings remotely and to remain vigilant. “If you see something, say something,” the statement read.

Virginia State University was on lockdown Thursday following a reported threat to campus safety, university officials confirmed to WVEC.

VSU Police, in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, are actively investigating the credibility of the threat. No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the situation.

The campus will remain on lockdown until further notice, and all afternoon classes and extracurricular activities have been canceled. Students residing in VSU-managed housing will be provided meals, with detailed instructions sent via email. Additional security personnel are present on campus and are also monitoring VSU-run off-campus housing locations.

Students and staff at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, were under lockdown on Thursday morning due to a “potential threat.” 

“Southern University and A&M College has received a potential threat to campus safety and is on lockdown,” the university said in a campus alert posted to Facebook. “The lockdown applies to the entire Baton Rouge landmass, which also includes Southern University Law Center, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and Southern University Laboratory School. If you are on campus, you should shelter in place until further notice, as the University is working with law enforcement agencies.”

The lockdown was lifted at 1 p.m. ET.

“The lockdown due to a campus safety threat has been lifted on the Southern University Baton Rouge landmass. Effective immediately, all campus activities and classes are cancelled on Thursday, September 11, Friday, September 12, and through the weekend,” the university said in an update.